Cherokee Nation Industries | Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

CNI earns $5.1 million contract from Sikorsky

Cherokee Nation Industries was recently awarded a $5.1 million contract to provide frame and instrument panel assembly for the S-300C helicopter.
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CNI recognized by aerospace industry leaders

Cherokee Nation Industries was recently awarded the Gold Supplier Certification from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, recognizing its best-in-class performance in quality, delivery, lean techniques and customer satisfaction. read more >
CNI receives Boeing Performance Excellence Award

Cherokee Nation Industries has received a 2011 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance.

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Cherokee Nation Metalworks

Cherokee Nation Industries

For more than 40 years, Cherokee Nation Industries has operated as a government contractor in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

The first of the Cherokee Nation's for-profit companies, CNI has a performance history with the aerospace and Department of Defense markets, supplying valuable parts to organizations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and NASA’s International Space Station.

An integrated business unit operating out of 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Stilwell, Okla., a 170,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Pryor, Okla. and a 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Tahlequah, Okla., CNI's core business is comprised of electrical, electro-mechanical, interconnect solutions, distributing, kitting and manufacturing cable and wire harness assemblies. CNI has manufactured numerous projects that required expertise in medium to complex integration in ground support, test, flight hardware, and armament systems.

Wholly owned by the Cherokee Nation, CNI is part of the Cherokee Nation Businesses family of companies.

In the News

Cherokee Nation Industries earns $5.1 million contract from Sikorsky while maintaining ‘Gold Supplier’ status

CATOOSA, Okla.— Cherokee Nation Industries is furthering its relationship with industry leader Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. The tribal enterprise was recently honored as a 2013 Sikorsky Gold Supplier and awarded a $5.1 million contract to provide frame and instrument panel assembly for the S-300C helicopter.

“Aerospace and defense manufacturing is a core industry in Oklahoma and our business portfolio,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The Cherokee Nation plays a vital role in this industry and is proud to have earned a new multimillion dollar contract with Sikorsky. This new contract creates more jobs in an advanced, high-tech industry.”

Baker said the Gold Supplier certification “reflects the commitment to quality we have established in our advanced manufacturing efforts at CNI.”

The S-300C is known as one of the finest and most versatile piston engine rotorcrafts. Its maneuverability, responsive handling, range and endurance make it ideal for personal transportation, military and civil training, aerial photography, law enforcement patrol and more.

The 18-month contract allocates $4 million for the production of 84 instrument panels that integrates all flight instruments, with the exception of customer-specified radios. CNI will also provide frame assembly for 74 aircrafts, adding $1.1 million to the contract.

“We have developed a long-standing relationship with Sikorsky and, through that relationship, established a reputation for excellence in our field,” said Chris Moody, president of Cherokee Nation Industries. “We are honored to have the opportunity to expand our work.”

Sikorsky’s Gold Supplier Certification honors Cherokee Nation Industries dedication to best-in-class performance in quality, delivery, lean techniques and customer satisfaction. This is the second, consecutive year CNI has received the honor.

“Maintaining this status rating in such a competitive market is a true testament to our unwavering dedication to quality customer service,” said Moody. “We will continue to work hard every day to ensure the Cherokee Nation is well represented and that the integrity of our industry remains of the highest caliber.”

CNI was established in 1969 to serve as the economic and workforce arm for the Cherokee Nation. The tribal enterprise specializes in aerospace and defense manufacturing, telecommunications and distribution services. The company has offices in Stilwell, Tahlequah, Pryor and Tulsa. CNI is a Cherokee Nation company.